The Hu (Music Group)

The HU was established in 2016 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The group blends modern rock music with Mongolian traditions. A 2019 NPR article highlighted The HU’s cultural significance and unique identity by emphasizing its fusion of heavy metal’s aggressive guitar riffs with traditional Mongolian throat singing.^【1】

The name The HU means “human” in Mongolian. The group combines traditional elements such as the morin khuur (horsehead fiddle), tovshuur (Mongolian guitar), tumur khuur (jaw harp), and throat singing with contemporary rock sounds, naming their distinctive style “Hunnu Rock.”

The Song of the HU Explaining Mongolian Traditions (Heart Sounds of Mongols)

Members

The group was founded by Gala, Jaya, Temka, and Enkush. Gala is the lead throat singer and plays the morin khuur. Enkush is the lead morin khuur player and also performs throat singing. Jaya plays the jaw harp (tumur khuur), tsuur, and flute, and also performs throat singing. Temka plays the tovshuur.

Releases and Achievements

Their debut album The Gereg (2019) debuted at number one on the World Album and Top New Artist charts. Since its release, the group has amassed over 250 million total streams and video views. They have received acclaim from outlets such as Billboard, NPR, GQ, The Guardian, The Independent, and Revolver, as well as from Sir Elton John.

Concerts and Festivals

The HU has performed sold-out concerts across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Their appearances at major festivals including Coachella, Lollapalooza, and Download Festival have helped them build a diverse fan base.

Collaborations and Notable Projects

Rapidly gaining attention in the music industry, the group has collaborated with Jacoby Shaddix of Papa Roach and Lzzy Hale of Halestorm. Their Mongolian-language rendition of Metallica’s “Sad But True” received widespread praise. Following this, Metallica invited The HU to participate in their 2021 project Metallica Blacklist, where they recorded “Through The Never” alongside guest artists such as Miley Cyrus, Chris Stapleton, Phoebe Bridgers, J Balvin, and St. Vincent.

In addition, The HU has expanded their musical reach by composing and recording songs for EA Games’ Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order.

The HU's Yuve Yuve Yu Song (The HU)